Faubourg Marigny safe? (New Orleans, Atlanta: apartment, power lines, loft)

[MDJones]

My husband and I shared our best vacation ever in New Orleans and fell in love with the bars and restaurants in the Faubourg Marigny. This was all pre-Katrina, just the spring before. We read some stories after people started returning back that the FM area was plagued with quite a bit of violent crime. But you know- so was a lot of the city.

We are setting off this weekend on a road trip from Atlanta to California. New Orleans is our first stop, and I was just hoping to get some feedback on staying in that area. We aren't very skittish- I mean, we do live in Atlanta. But I also don't want to make any stupid errors in judgment. Any one with any input, please let me know. I'm looking forward to visiting either way.

[miserylovesco.]

The Marigny is fine.

[Drouzin]

You'll be fine in the Marigny, but I would caution you abour wandering around there late at night. I have a friend who has lived in that neighborhood for several years who was mugged late at night (3AM), coming home from work. It was just a knock down and run, but it has rattled us a bit.

Do stay there and enjoy the atmosphere; one mugging does not make it a horrible neighborhood. The people in that neighborhood are really fun to get to know and hang with, but be aware of your surroundings and instead of walking about late at night take a cab.

[MissCookieMoses]

The only time I was EVER mugged in New Orleans was in the Marigny. Be careful; the triangle's nice, but parts of the neighborhood (mainly past Elysian Fields) can be a little "ghetto."

Still, the Marigny is basically the Quarter with power lines and streets in slightly worse condition. Get a nice apartment with a fragrant courtyard, and you'll never forget how to relax.

I say this because I am a French Quarter rat.

[Micktooth]

Don't leave your belongings in your car overnight either. We had friends traveling cross country and stopped in NOLA. The next morning their car was broken into and most of their travel stuff was gone.

[jacq63]

Originally Posted by MissCookieMoses

The only time I was EVER mugged in New Orleans was in the Marigny. Be careful; the triangle's nice, but parts of the neighborhood (mainly past Elysian Fields) can be a little "ghetto."

Still, the Marigny is basically the Quarter with power lines and streets in slightly worse condition. Get a nice apartment with a fragrant courtyard, and you'll never forget how to relax.

I say this because I am a French Quarter rat.

I thought I'd resurrect this b/c I'm looking at maybe staying in a guesthouse on Elysian Fields in the FM for Halloween. The only part I can recall with any clarity from my last visit is the area around Frenchmen St. So, when you say 'past Elysian Fields', what areas are we talking about? I should know this stuff, but I just can't remember some specifics. So, any thoughts on being around that area, given that we'd probably be walking back from venues at some ungodly hour of the night/early morning?
Drouzin, you know how it is!

[Prytania]

There is the Marigny Triangle which is the safest and extends from Esplanade to Elysian Fields. The rest of the Marigny extends past Elysian Fields and is less commercial...more residential and the only problem with that is there are less people wondering around, so it seems a bit sketchy. I don't feel unsafe there really especially the closer to the River the better...but its just really quiet (so is the Bywater).

I would consider living there perhaps...I'm an Uptown girl myself but I'm game for something different.

[jacq63]

Thanks Prytania, I think most people in NOLA by choice are game for something different!

[Bluesbabe]

We stay in the Marigny when we go to New Orleans and we use the same B&B on Dauphine. Short walk to Frenchman Street. There was one occurrence in that neighborhood when we were there this April but the residents watch the area like hawks. We're always aware of what's around us but still feel pretty safe. There is a fair amount of foot traffic into the later hours from people leaving Frenchman.

[john-ever-learning]

Thanks everyone. Some friends and I are heading there this weekend. Hopefully it's not to bad. We're staying on St. Ferdinand in a loft apartment. anyone know that part of the area or anything we should be aware of?